Frequently Asked Questions

What is catnip?

Catnip is a member of the mint family, and cats go wild for it. Smelling or tasting even a little bit of the oil in catnip turns even older cats into playful kittens.

Why do cats like catnip?

No one really knows! Catnip contains nepetalactone, which emulates reactions typically produced by pheromones, though no one understands exactly why this happens. All we know for sure is that just a whiff of catnip makes cats happy and sends them rolling and jumping around in a state of euphoria.

Can you tell us about your catnip?

Do you remember the gorgeous backdrop of The Sound of Music? That’s the kind of environment our catnip grows in. We source our catnip locally from the Pacific Northwest, and harvest it at the peak of its freshness. The herb is then sliced and diced into sprinkle-able portions and packaged in airtight glass containers to keep it fresh and smelling crisp.

Is It organic?

Yes, our catnip is USDA certified organic.

How much should I give my cats?

It really depends on your cat’s preferences. On average, about two teaspoons of catnip should be enough to entertain your cat for about two to three days.

How often should I give my cat catnip?

You can indulge your cat with a little catnip joy once a day or once a week - as much as you’d like! The excitement from every new pinch of catnip lasts about 10 - 15 minutes before your cat’s senses become overwhelmed and the herb loses its effectiveness. Give your cat some time between doses to wind down so he can fully enjoy every last bit.

Is it OK if my cat eats it?

Our catnip is all natural and organic, and is perfectly safe to ingest. In fact, in the wild cats sometimes eat a little catnip to help with digestion. It’s the smell that sends cats into a happy frenzy, though. When eaten, catnip has opposite effect from smelling it - your cat may mellow out.

Will my cat overdose on catnip?

Technically, no. Most cats seem to sense when they’ve had enough, and they stop on their own. Still, as with all things in life, too much of anything can be bad. On very rare occasions some cats may cough up a hairball if they come into contact with too much catnip, or vomit if they’ve eaten too much of it. If your cat has never had catnip before, we suggest you introduce it slowly in incremental proportions. If you’re not sure about anything or have specific concerns, check with your vet.

My cats are fine without catnip, why do I need it?

Happy cats make us happy too! That’s why we like to add a little extra joy into our cats’ lives even if they’re naturally happy. There are many other reasons to use catnip, too - it can be a fantastic training tool, a way to spur a lethargic or elderly cat to exercise, or a de-stressor for getting acquainted with new furniture. And let’s face it, the catnip is a little bit for you too: just try not to smile at seeing your cat in such a happy state!

What if catnip doesn't work for my cats?

Catnip doesn’t work on every cat. Catnip sensitivity is an inherited trait, and about half of all cats don’t carry the gene. Because of this we can’t guarantee that catnip will have an effect on your cat, but we suggest giving it a go to find out!

Can I give catnip to a kitten?

Why is your catnip different?

We’ve searched high and low to bring you only the freshest, highest quality organic catnip. Tabby James catnip is packaged in small doses inside airtight glass bottles so that no catnip ever goes stale or gets wasted. We offer package deals on bottles so you can stock up on sealed, fresh catnip for a rainy day!

How should I store my catnip?

We’ve taken care to design our catnip bottles to be appealing to the eye - no need to hide these in the back of the cupboard! You can keep your catnip handy as part of your coffee table decor so that kitty euphoria is always just an arm’s reach away. All you need to do is keep the bottle out of direct sunlight, and shut the lid firmly when not in use.

How long should I keep it for?

If stored properly, our catnip can last 6 - 12 months (that is, if your cats don’t go through it by then).

Are you interested in seeing photos of my cats?

Always! We love looking at pictures of happy cats. If you want to share a picture of your kitty, tag us @tabbyjamesco or email us at hello@tabbyjames.com

Are you interested in receiving feedback?

We are here to make cats and cat owners happy, and we’re always open to hearing feedback on how to best achieve this. We take all feedback seriously. Email us your thoughts to hello@tabbyjames.com

Are you looking for interns?

We might be. If you’re a cat lover, an exceptionally talented individual, or feel like you have something special to offer our brand, feel free to apply (we consider remote workers as well).

Are you looking for contributors for your blog?

We are always looking for feline lovers with compelling cat stories. If you think you match the tone of Tabby James and have interesting stories to contribute, please email us with writing samples at hello@tabbyjames.com